5 reasons why Floyd Mayweather would finish Conor McGregor earlier in a rematch

#4. The absence of kicks

The importance of kicks to Conor McGregor's striking game is often understated. They're an integral part of his pressure-based counter-striking approach to fighting.

The Irishman often uses the threat of punishing front kicks to the midsection and a left high kick as deterrences for opponents who try closing the distance against him. This is what enables McGregor to keep many of his opponents at the end of his preferred counter-striking distance and, in turn, create openings for his most punishing punches.

This causes his opponents to grow more anxious as the fight proceeds, convincing them to quickly close the distance before the Irishman can throw kicks. Typically, this manifests as his opponents lunging at him, which is exactly what the former lightweight champion wants: to force his opponents into rushing recklessly into his counter-punches.

However, in a boxing match with Floyd Mayweather, Conor McGregor will not have the use of his kicks, meaning he has one less tool to deter Floyd Mayweather from simply walking him down.

---

#3. The different rule-set limits McGregor's punching power

Much has been made about how Conor McGregor's punching power doesn't seem to be as significant at lightweight as it was at featherweight. While the Irishman remains fairly powerful, the boxing rule-set has a clear impact on his punching power.

With the exception of his win over Donald Cerrone, McGregor's most damaging punches are created by situations only allowed by MMA. He forces his opponents into lunging forward by causing them to misinterpret how they should cross distance due to the threat of his kicks.

In addition, 'The Notorious' also slips dangerous punches through the gaps in his opponent's guard, a tactic that only works when the gloves are small enough for those gaps to exist.

Additionally, McGregor often uses pressure to crowd his foes. He sandwiches them between himself and the cage, using a left wheel kick to trap any foe who attempts to circle out of his right side, ultimately causing them to lash out and lunge forward to create space for themselves.

Floyd Mayweather, a calculated defensive boxer, does not lunge towards his opponents. In a boxing match, McGregor will have no kicks and thus no means of keeping Floyd Mayweather trapped between him and the ropes.